How The New Minister Of Health, Budi Gunadi, Anticipates Post-Christmas Spike In COVID-19 Cases

JAKARTA - The government, through the Ministry of Health, is anticipating a surge in active cases of COVID-19 after the Christmas and New Year 2021 holidays. One of its efforts is to increase the availability of treatment beds for COVID-19 patients in a number of hospitals.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said his party had prepared more than a hundred additional beds in a number of hospitals. The addition of the number of beds will be carried out, both in the regular room and the intensive care unit (ICU).

"Actually, the place is there. We just need to increase the number of beds and the ICU. The potential is up to one hundred additional beds. By increasing the number of beds in existing hospitals, it will be technically easier," he said in a virtual press conference, Friday. , December 25th.

Budi said that handling emergency COVID-19 patients is not a need for a treatment room. Because, a place for the treatment room is available. So the important thing is to increase the number of nurses.

"The number of doctors is sufficient, the medical equipment is sufficient, there are also a hundred rooms available, but we need nurses," he said.

Because of that, Budi asked people to enjoy the Christmas and New Year 2021 holidays by staying at home. According to him, this can help prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases.

"In a long holiday period like this. Where I would like to wish my friends a merry Christmas. Please make sure that we live this big day in peace and health. Don't forget to try to stay at home and make sure to wear a mask, wash your hands. and keep your distance, "he said.

Budi said that the public must be disciplined in carrying out the 3M health protocol, namely wearing masks, maintaining distance and washing hands. Because, this can save loved ones from the threat of COVID-19.

"This is what we have to do to prevent it, lest after this beautiful holiday, we are with our families, and then some of our families are affected," he explained.

On the same occasion, Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said that his party had also coordinated with one of the RSCM directors to compile a volunteer nurse program to anticipate a spike in cases during the long holiday period.

"That way, it will be seen that the needs are met precisely from the technical problems we face," he explained.